Pride, the excessive hubris and arrogance that lead to a character's downfall, is a common theme in Greek tragedy. In Sophocles' play Antigone, the character Creon displays pride by refusing to listen to the wise advice of others, leading to disastrous consequences for himself and those around him. This essay will analyze Creon's pride and his role in the tragedy of Antigone, exploring how his pride and stubbornness ultimately led to his downfall. By examining the historical and social context of the play, as well as relevant theories about hubris and its consequences, we can better understand Creon's tragic flaw and its implications. This essay will demonstrate that Creon's pride, his refusal to give in in the face of opposition, ultimately leads to his downfall and serves as a warning against the dangers of excessive pride. Creon's tragic flaw serves as a warning to the audience about the destructive nature of pride, making the play a timeless and relevant work of literature. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The first way in which Creon's hubris is evident is in his refusal to heed the advice of others, particularly his son Haemon and the prophet Tiresias. Despite Haemon's passionate pleas for reason and mercy, Creon remains stubborn and steadfast in his decision to execute Antigone. When Haemon warns his father that the people of Thebes sympathize with Antigone's plight, Creon dismisses his son's concerns by declaring: "The city belongs to the king, it is the law" (Sophocles, 672). This refusal to listen to the wisdom of his own son, as well as the advice of the prophet Tiresias, demonstrates Creon's arrogance and inflexibility. By ignoring the advice of those who care for him, Creon's pride leads to his isolation and the destruction of his family. This refusal to yield to reason ultimately contributes to his downfall, as he is unable to see beyond his own pride and stubbornness. In addition to his refusal to listen to the wise counsel of others, Creon's pride is also evident in his belief that his own laws and decrees are absolute and inviolable. When Creon decrees that the body of Polyneices must remain unburied, he proclaims: “Polyneices, I say, must have no grave: no man must touch him or say the least prayer for him; he will rest on the plain, without burial” (Sophocles, 197-200). This absolute decree reflects Creon's belief that his own authority and power are above the laws of the gods and the traditions of society. This arrogance and disregard for the customs and beliefs of the people of Thebes ultimately leads to Creon's downfall, as his pride blinds him to the consequences of his actions. In this way, Creon's pride not only leads to his personal downfall, but also causes suffering and destruction of the entire city of Thebes. Additionally, Creon's pride is also manifested in his inability to recognize his own flaws and take responsibility for his actions. Throughout the play, Creon refuses to acknowledge the consequences of his decisions and blames others for his misfortunes. When Tiresias warns Creon of the wrath of the gods and the destruction that will fall on Thebes, Creon accuses Tiresias of being a false prophet and refuses to listen to his warnings. This refusal to accept responsibility for his actions and recognize his own faults is a clear demonstration of Creon's pride. His pride and arrogance prevent him from seeing the truth and ultimately lead to his downfall. In this way, Creon's tragic flaw serves as a warning of the dangers.